Sam Raimi to direct TV pilot Rake

The filmmaker behind the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man franchise, The Evil Dead and, most recently, Oz The Great & Powerful, is to direct the pilot episode of Fox drama Rake.

Starring Greg Kinnear, the pilot will follow the chaotic and comedic life of criminal defence lawyer Keegan Joye, a brilliant, frustratingly charming but brutally honest man. The character is based on the Australian comedic drama of the same name.

The pilot is being produced by Sony TV, who worked with Raimi on the Spider-Man franchise.

According to Deadline, Raimi was lured to the project before Oz had opened. It is now nearing the $300 million mark after just 10 days of release.

Although Rake would mark Raimi’s first directing gig, he is also involved with television as executive producer of Starz’s flagship drama Spartacus.

His decision to migrate to the small screen is notable, though, as it follows several high-profile announcements in recent weeks where big budget directors have opted for TV.

Ang Lee most recently opted to direct a pilot called Tyrant, Ridley Scott is directing The Vatican, Martin Scorsese has previously done Boardwalk Empire and Michael Mann did Luck.